shopping/caring for granite countertop

After much searching, I finally decided I liked shiva kashi granite for my counter top. However, I did not realize that many items labeled "granite" are not granite. Can you tell me if shiva kashi is granite. Also, I don't want to purchase something and be a slave to keeping it looking good. What are my chances with shiva kashi and what will be necessary for me to do. Is sealing necessary? I would appreciate any advice you can give as soon as possible. thanks. joyce g.

 

Dear Joy ce:

Shivakashi is migmatite – of the gneiss group; a metamorphic rock quite far from geological granite. But then again, out of the over 2700 (no, it's not a typo) types of stones traded as granite only a scant couple of do z ens are true granite and a few other do z ens are to be considered next of kin. All the rest are stones that have no relation to granite and to each other whatsoever. Welcome to the stone industry!... L

What has to be said is that many “granites” are just as good and, in many instances, even “better” than true granite; but Shivakashi is not among them in my book.

With an absorbency rate of 0.25% to 0.3% it is not extremely porous, but its virtually non-existent surface tension makes so that it absorbs a lot.

However, if you can get a slab that was properly resined by the factory, even that stone can become quite enjoyable.

But why am I spending time to explain that you?

Who cares about the stone?!

How about if I tell you that a certain stone is a good choice and then you get a low-grade slab or a doctored one? Trust me: the human factor is far more important than the stone itself and should be the only true deciding factor!

In an industry that's virtually unregulated, how good and reputable the fabricator who's is going to process the stone you'll end up choosing is far more important than the stone itself. None of the horror stories that get posted in this very site stem from the stone: they all stem from the fabricator. That is why I seldom make final statements about any one particular stone. There may be differences within the same stone (and I'm not talking about looks, here!) from one bundle of slabs and the next. The slabs may have also been either “doctored” (which is bad), or “resined” (which overall is good) by the factory, which would make a big difference. Even more important, what's a good stone in the hands of some “Michelangelo”?! And again: a reputable fabricator will only carry high-grade slabs, not some “specials!”

We have available a very comprehensive article on “How to Shop for a Granite Kitchen Countertop” that will give you all the intelligence you need to venture yourself with confidence in the stone industry jungle, and it includes the world renowned “Lemon juice (and oil) test”! It does carry a small price tag, and you can order it by logging on the Educational Literature section at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/literature.htm. It's available in pay-per-download format and I consider it a cheap “insurance premium” to pay when there are thousands of $ involved! Not to mention the little and much needed support you'd be giving to the cause, your cause, since every single penny of the cost of the article will be used to support it.

Also, will you please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm? By spreading the word about this valuable site among your friends & family and the stone trades' people you've been dealing with you will be rendering everybody a valuable service!   

Also, do take advantage of the plethora of FREE Helpful Hints available at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/helpful-hints.htm. They're on the house!

Thank you.

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri z io Bertoli

 

www.marblecleaning.org – The Only Consumers' Portal to the Stone Industry Establishment!